Dark Earth: Edinburgh Fringe

Dark Earth by David Harrower: Traverse Theatre Company, Traverse
0131 228 1404 www.traverse.co.uk

Runs: 2 hour 15 minutes. 1 interval, till 23 August
Review: Mark Courtice, 14 August 2003

More than the car breaks down at the B and B at the end of the roadValerie and Euan get stranded by a breakdown on a tiny road, close to the middle of nowhere. They find themselves relying on the kindness, offered with a slightly sinister insistence, of a local family. These helpers have their own problems, they are conscious of their place in a history that stretches right from the Romans to the present; how then can they cope with today's disintegration of the farmers' way of life?

This is a leisurely exploration of the issues, with the ultimately sterile relationships arising as counterpoint to the wider issues. It's the young couple's relationship that is fragile to the point of breakdown, while the Caldwells have found a way to live together as a functioning unit.

The gentle pace lets the atmosphere build and the changes in the balance of power between the characters, but it does demand patience from the audience. There is some clever writing here, although often the best of it is over emphasised. Harrower could trust us to get it without so much help.

The production re-enforces the slow pace. Scenes often end with frozen moments under strong spotlights. Fiona Watts' clever set changes from road to cottage and back, using strong perspectives to create distance, and a glass walled morning room that makes the inhabitants look like specimens in a case.

The performances are good, especially from Suzanne Donaldson as the daughter who wants to get out, but who also knows she can't. Frances Grey gives Valerie sensitivity and pathos as she tries to do the right thing.

Dark Earth is, of course beautifully done, and makes its point effectively; but it is not a play that rushes to its climax, more catches a moment in history as it rolls on.

Christine: Suzanne Donaldson
Valerie: Frances Grey
Ida: Anne Lacey
Euan: John Mackay
Petey: Jimmy Yuill

Director: Philip Howard
Designer: Fiona Watt
Lighting: Neil Austin
Music: John Irvine

2003-08-15 11:10:40